Page 85 of My Heart Belongs to You

Back in the kitchen, Gia called out order numbers to check their status. The timer in her hand ticked as she used her free hand to update the chart. On top of the serving window was a monitor displaying orders. I pulled off the new tickets, sliding them onto the chef’s station then washed my hands before jumping in the line to help. Opal dropped another batch of fritters into the deep fryer while I seasoned and battered the next batch.

Carmen came into the kitchen carrying a tray of empty dishes. Our dishwashers worked tirelessly to keep dishes rinsed, cleaned, and arranged on the drying rack. After getting the food somewhat back on track, I went to check on my bartenders. Brea and Drew worked in tandem to clear our drink queue.

I stopped at the service area to retrieve the drinks that were ready. Glancing at the ticket, I smiled after seeing my family’s table number. Steadying a glass of wine and an Old Fashioned, I stalked toward them. Without asking, I placed the red wine in front of my mom and handed the Old Fashioned to my dad. They smiled, pleased with how well I knew their usuals.

One of my bar-backs was on my heels, taking the empty dishes I’d picked up on my way back to the kitchen. I exhaled once I returned to the service window. Opal tapped my shoulder then handed me a plate with a little of everything on it. She tipped her chin toward my office.

“Take a load off; we got it.”

My stomach growled as I looked at what she’d prepared for me. I hadn’t eaten all day. This morning I was too wired to think about eating. Since then, I’d been on the move. Having people like Opal in my corner meant a lot in moments like this. She watched as I went into my office and shut the door. I exhaled and reveled in the quiet of my office. Taking a seat at my desk, I dug into my plate. After a few satisfying bites, I checked my phone. To my surprise, I had several messages. Most were from Raven; she’d taken pictures of me all night. My smile dropped when I saw Joseph had texted me.

JOSEPH:

Sorry I couldn’t make it tonight. I look forward to stopping by once you officially open.

I was elated to know he wasn’t coming tonight. He hadn’t crossed my mind since I left him that night. With the opening occupying me, I didn’t have the time to really think about the bomb he’d dropped at dinner. He had a whole baby on the way and was able to withhold that information for months. I could never trust him again, not even as a friend. Something in my gut told me I wouldn’t be seeing him anytime soon. And I was fine with never seeing him again. My phone pinged and the sender instantly changed my mood.

NADIR:

We’re about to head out. You shined tonight, Goldie. To say I’m proud of you would be an understatement. Call me later. I want to hear about your day.

I beamed while typing my response. After checking the time on my phone, I noted how much longer I had left. I couldn’t wait to talk to my man later. My eyes widened at the thought. We weren’t official yet, but it seemed pointless to address him as anything less. A knock at the door pulled me from my musings.

“Your dad is in the kitchen,” Carmen said, humor dancing in her eyes.

Wiping the corners of my mouth, I stood while groaning. “I’m coming.”

My quiet moment had come to an end. Who knew a few bites of food and silence was all I needed to recalibrate. The sound of laughter and cheers had me curious to see what my dad was doing. I shook my head at him and Opal plating heaping portions of paella.

“You didn’t get enough?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

My dad smiled sheepishly. I caught a glimpse of Raven when his eyes met mine. Leave it to Carlos Gold to sneak a peek behind the curtains.

“I didn’t.”

“Take what you want.” I rolled my eyes playfully. Opal packed the remainder of the paella for him. He kissed my forehead, something he knew I’d hated since I was twelve. There was nothing more humiliating than my dad reminding everyone that I was his little girl.

“Tu abuela te está sonriendo desde arriba,” he said for only me to hear.

The embarrassment of having my dad kiss me in front of my employees was replaced with pride. I hugged him tightly, feeling how much his words rang true.

“Where are you?” Raven’s voice jolted me from my bed as I looked around the room.

“I’m on my way.” Clearing my throat, I tossed the covers back and hurried to the bathroom.

“You sound like you just woke up! Robyn, if your ass isn’t here in the next ten minutes,” she warned.

I placed the call on speakerphone so I could wipe and wash my hands. “Ray, I swear I’ll be there soon.”

My sister was a nervous wreck about hosting our mom for breakfast. Anytime we had plans with her, Raven got antsy and a little bitchy.

“Okay. I just texted Mom to get her ETA. Hold on, she’s responding.”

My “okay” came out as a jumbled mess as I brushed my teeth. While scraping my tongue, I brainstormed outfit ideas. I was going to my sister’s to debrief and spend time with her and Mom. However, I knew better than to throw on a shirt and leggings like I would’ve worn any other time.

“Mom says twenty minutes away. You’re lucky.”

I sloshed water in my mouth before spitting it into the sink. “Great. See you soon.”